Photo credit: Kate Green
Not The Last by Susie Sillett
Celebrating 150 years of Cannon Hill Park by unearthing the story of Birmingham’s lesser known benefactor.
Midlands Arts Centre
In 1873 Louisa Anne Ryland donated the land which would become Cannon Hill Park to the people of Birmingham.
Not the Last features two members of a fictional Birmingham-based historical society attempting to find out more about the parks mysterious benefactor. But the harder they try to unearth facts about Louisa’s life and legacy, the more they dig away at their own lives and what they might want to be remembered, or forgotten for, themselves.
A co-production with MAC this piece of new writing shined a light on female land ownership, philanthropy, and the vital and varied role of parks and green spaces in our cities.
Cast & Creatives
Performers: Janice Connolly and Adaya Henry
Writer: Susie Sillett Director:
Jennifer Davis Designer:
Imogen Melhuish
Lighting Designer: Arnim Friess
Sound Designer: Sam Frankie Fox
Funders & Partners
A co-production with Midlands Arts Centre funded by Arts Council England, The Sir Barry Jackson Trust, John Feeney Trust and The Grimmitt Trust.
Part of Birmingham Heritage Week 2023
